Media releases

First World War galleries officially opened at the Australian War Memorial

On Sunday 22 February, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, His Excellency General the Honourable Sir Peter Cosgrove AK MC (Retd), officially launched the Australian War Memorial’s new permanent First World War exhibition, Australia in the Great War.

Some of the world’s pre-eminent First World War historians will come together at a major international conference to be held in Canberra next March to commemorate the centenary of the landing on Gallipoli.

Gallipoli 1915: a century on will explore the eight-month-long Gallipoli campaign from all sides - its impacts upon the countries and soldiers that fought as well as the effect on the population back home, and the historical legacy.

The Australian War Memorial today launched the Australia/NZ Print Portfolio project with the New Zealand High Commissioner, His Excellency Mr Chris Seed, and well-known New Zealand artist Shane Cotton.

The Commemorative Print Portfolio will feature work by five Australian and five New Zealand artists, who will respond creatively to the history of the First World War and its legacy for contemporary life in both countries.

The Australian War Memorial today opened its highly anticipated First World War Galleries, Australia in the Great War.

Australia in the Great War is one of the most significant First World War exhibitions in the world, drawing on the Memorial’s unique collection of First World War artefacts, technology, uniforms, medals, photographs, film, and personal items such as letters and diaries.

Dr Brendan Nelson, Director of the Australian War Memorial, said he was honoured to open such a significant exhibition to the Australian public.

At 11 am on 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. On this day each year Australians observe one minute’s silence, in memory of those who have died or suffered for Australia’s cause in all wars and armed conflicts, a tradition the Australian War Memorial continues in its National Ceremony.

More than 3900 people attended the Remembrance Day National Ceremony at the Australian War Memorial today. This was many hundred more than last year.